National parks in West Virginia offer visitors spectacular natural beauty and unforgettable outdoor experiences in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The crown jewel, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, features breathtaking cliffs, scenic river views, and world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting opportunities. Visitors can hike miles of trails, explore historic towns, and enjoy stunning overlooks that showcase the rugged landscape. Additionally, sites like Harpers Ferry National Historical Park combine rich history with picturesque surroundings, providing a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or peaceful nature escapes, West Virginia’s national parks deliver memorable experiences for every traveler.
One of America’s favorite hiking trails will be closed weekdays through mid-October while diseased trees are removed, according to officials from the National Park Service. Starting Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, the Maryland Heights Trail in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will be closed on weekdays for the removal of diseased trees, which have the … Read more
Nearly 160 years after John Brown raided the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, the National Park Service is welcoming the gift of another 13 acres that help tell Brown’s story. The American Battlefield Trust purchased property known as Allstadt’s Corner, which includes Allstadt’s Ordinary, and transferred it to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The donation … Read more
Shepherd University’s George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War will host a presentation by alumnus Kevin Pawlak on his new book, “Antietam National Battlefield.” The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 6 p.m. in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va.—Officials at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are anticipating increased river use and shuttle traffic during the World Scout Jamboree July 22-August 2 at the adjacent Summit Bechtel Reserve. Up to 65,000 scouts and scout leaders from more than 170 countries are expected to attend the event attend the landmark event, … Read more
Now in its sixth year, Thurmond Train Day is growing ever-more popular as visitors to the ghost town in southern West Virginia explore its historic landmarks and discover more about railroading history and present-day railroad safety. More than 600 people attended last year’s event, drawn largely by the opportunity to visit Thurmond, West Virginia, at … Read more
Visitors to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve who wish to travel the winding scenic route beneath the New River Gorge Bridge will be required to suffer a detour through mid-July. Part of Fayette Station Road near Fayetteville, West Virginia, will be closed while the route is repaired, repaved, and widened, according to Julena … Read more
Rangers and naturalists at seven parks in southern West Virginia will lead guided wildflower hikes on woodland trails April 26-28 during the 16th annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend. Ranger Jodi French-Burr stressed that the hikes and most additional events are free, and that the New River Gorge region and the New River basin is extremely rich … Read more
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will increase its entrance fees in 2019 and 2020 as part of the National Park Service’s efforts to address infrastructure needs and enhance visitor experiences. Effective January 1, the park’s per-vehicle fee will increase to $15, and its per-person fee will increase to $7, according to Autumn Cook, a park spokesperson. … Read more
National parks in southern West Virginia attracted more than 1.3 million visitors in 2017 and added more than $78 million to the local economy, according to a visitor-spending analysis. The National Park Service reported today that 1,319,420 guests had visited the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River … Read more
The National Park Service will host a meeting on rules and regulations for climbing activities at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Gauley River National Recreation Area on March 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville, West Virginia. The meeting follows a successful climbing listening session and community … Read more
